Limitations

(a) Failure To comply (1) In general The failure of the claim holder to perform assessment work or to pay a maintenance fee if required under section 102(a), to pay a location fee under section 102(b), or to file a timely notice of location shall— (A) conclusively constitute a forfeiture of the mining claim, millsite, or tunnel site; and (B) make the claim or site null and void by operation of law. (2) Effect Forfeiture under paragraph (1) shall not relieve any person of any obligation under this Act and applicable regulations, including reclamation, and other applicable law. (b) Relinquishment (1) In general A claim holder deciding not to pursue mineral activities on a mining claim, millsite, or tunnel site, may relinquish the claim or site by notifying the Secretary of the intent to relinquish the claim or site. (2) Effect A claim holder relinquishing a claim, millsite, or tunnel site under paragraph (1) shall be responsible for any obligation under this Act and applicable regulations, including reclamation, and other applicable law. (c) Use of mining claim (1) In general The continued use, occupancy, and retention of any mining claim, millsite, or tunnel site subject to this Act shall be exclusively for mineral activities as authorized under this Act. (2) Failure to use for mineral activities If the claim holder cannot demonstrate to the Secretary that the mining claim, millsite, or tunnel site has been used exclusively for mineral activities, the Secretary shall declare the claim, millsite, or tunnel site null and void.